Page 26 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

D eb turned the ignition in her car, still reeling from Kitty’s announcement about Grant’s involvement in her beach house interiors. She’d thought she could be friends with him, but unless she could harness her feelings, she’d be lurching toward heartache again.

As she turned on the main road, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw her friend Babe’s name. This was a call she’d been waiting for. Quickly, she tapped a control to answer it.

“Guess what just arrived at my shop,” Babe said, sounding excited. Without waiting, she added, “The new dresses for the grand event at the Majestic. I received several in your size that I think you’ll like, and you get first choice.”

“Thank goodness. I’ve run out of options.”

With so much work to do before the party, Deb couldn’t spare another day.

She’d already spent a day in San Diego trying to find something suitable, and the thought of dedicating another day to shopping in Orange County or Los Angeles didn’t fill her with joy.

This season, most of what she’d tried on was too sexy or too dowdy, with little in between.

“These will go fast. How soon can you get here?”

Glancing at the time, Deb replied, “On my way now.”

A few minutes later, she pulled to the curb in front of Beach Babes. A motion from the adjoining cafe’s patio caught her attention.

Matteo waved at her. “What a surprise to see you here. Come have lunch with me.”

A few women at nearby tables looked at her with envy. With the latest designer sunglasses and a summer-weight sweater casually tied around his shoulders, Matteo looked like a cover model for a yachting magazine.

Deb hesitated at the offer. “I’m here to pick up a dress at Babe’s.”

Matteo removed his sunglasses and reached out to her, his eyes sparkling. “I’ve brought a bottle of wine that goes well with their fresh catch. Let’s enjoy the day together.”

Deb was tempted. Matteo was easy to spend time with, but she needed to check on her projects at the Majestic, even though it was the weekend.

“I can’t. After this, I’m going back to work.”

“What a shame,” Matteo said, taking her hand. “Can the dress wait?”

Deb shook her head. “It’s for the big party. Babe is giving me the first choice of her new inventory before she calls other clients.”

“Would you like my opinion? I’m told I have excellent taste. I used to choose most of my former wives’ clothes.” He gestured toward the boutique. “I miss shopping for beautiful women. Besides, I need something to do.”

Deb laughed at his confession of boredom. She saw that a lot here. Executives on forced vacations, filling every moment to avoid relaxing and clearing their minds. But Matteo was different; he was living his passion. “You miss your vineyards, don’t you?”

Matteo dipped his head in agreement. “Even when I’m on holiday, I’m thinking about the vines, tracking the weather, or planning for harvest. Perfection is elusive, but I try to get as close as I can.”

Deb also understood that obsession with detail. “How did your meeting with Ryan go?”

“Very productive. My wines will soon be available at the Majestic. And what will you do after you finish that job?”

“Now that I have some exposure from this project, I’d like to work on larger ones. That’s why this event is so important. There will be a lot of VIPs there. In the meantime, I’m starting a beach house job soon.”

Matteo studied her. “We think alike, don’t we? When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

“Will you return to Napa soon?” she asked, wondering what his life was like.

“Why? Will you miss me? Or you could join me.”

She laughed because she’d heard that before. “I’m not planning my life around you if that’s what you think.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw another woman’s face light up at the perceived opportunity. And that would be fine with her, she realized with surprise.

“Men like a challenge.” Matteo squeezed her hand. “As for my plans, I’ll fly out after the event to see my children. Or I might convince them to visit Crown Island for a while.”

“You should.”

Matteo’s voice dropped a notch. “Would you like to meet them?”

Deb knew that was a critical step in a relationship and not one to be rushed. While Matteo looked like Mr. Perfect on paper, the romantic attraction wasn’t there. When they rode bikes to the beach, she’d tried, but it felt like she was trying too hard. She liked him fine, but only as a friend.

“Matteo, we should talk about that. I don’t want to mislead your children.”

Immediately, she thought of Teddy and Mason. Had she become too close to them?

He put a hand on her shoulder. “We could have an easy, happy life together. We don’t need expectations of anything more. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company for a while.”

“That’s quite an offer.”

He held her gaze, willing an answer.

Deb wasn’t sure if she could ever fall in love with Matteo, but it sounded like that didn’t matter to him.

Or maybe he had plenty of love to go around.

His two ex-wives were still very much in the picture with their children.

This sounded like a cozy harem, although she was not interested in being number three.

Or number whatever, for all she knew.

Right now, the grand reopening demanded a high level of execution, from the right menu and ambiance to the right dress. And she didn’t have much time left.

“I’ll let you know,” she said, withdrawing her hand from his velvet grip.

She hurried into her friend’s shop. Babe called to her from beside a rack that had what looked like a curtain panel thrown over it.

“You’re just in time,” Babe said, her eyes widening with relief. “There was a woman your size pawing through the silks and lace. I had to tell her these were all reserved. I grabbed a dressing room drapery in case other people tried to snatch an evening gown.”

Deb hugged her. “You’re the best, thanks. Now, show me what you have.”

Babe unveiled the rack of shimmering evening gowns. “I thought of you when I unpacked these. Aren’t they glamorous? You’d look fabulous in any of these.”

Even though she spent a lot of time in casual clothes, Deb loved exquisite styles and fabrics.

“There’s nothing like these on the island.

You should work out a deal with the hotel to bring in fine evening, cocktail, and resort wear.

There’s a need for that here, especially for the hotel’s upscale clientele. ”

Babe’s face brightened. “April is coming in soon. Maybe she’ll put in a good word for me with Ryan. Now, let me show you what I put aside for you.”

Babe held up each dress in turn. “This slim ivory silk will go with your hair. The peach chiffon with a Grecian drape is marvelous. And this airy cerulean-blue silk gown will flow with your movements.” She held up other options.

A voice interrupted them.

“Try on the ivory and the blue. Those are my favorites for you.” Matteo stood behind them, studying each option with the seriousness of a connoisseur.

“You’re persistent,” Deb said, grinning.

Oddly, she didn’t mind Matteo being there. Maybe because she wasn’t trying to impress him. When she introduced him, Babe seemed instantly enamored.

“Welcome to Beach Babes. I’m Babe.” She smiled at his outfit. “I love your style. Aren’t you the vintner everyone’s talking about?”

He inclined his head modestly. “I suppose word travels fast on an island.”

Deb watched the immediate ease between them. Babe’s natural charm drew people in, making them feel like friends. Matteo also had that effect on people.

“Try on these.” Babe scooped a few dresses over her arm and bustled toward the fitting room. “I want to see how they fit. We still have time to make alterations.”

In the changing area, Deb tried on the first dress, but with its plunging neckline, it was too revealing for her purposes.

Babe peeked in. “Wow, that’s hot. You really rock that one.”

“Too sexy for the grand reopening,” Deb said, shaking her head. “This is business. Any man’s wife would immediately look for another designer, and I wouldn’t blame them.”

“Okay, I understand. Smart, stylish, successful. Try on the blue dress. And let us see it on you.” Babe unzipped her and took two items back.

Deb slipped into the cerulean-blue dress. It was a little more modest, and the bright color deepened her eyes.

Possibly a contender.

She stepped out to find Matteo and Babe talking about gifts for his children. Babe had chosen several T-shirts and handmade bracelets from local artisans for him.

Matteo looked up, and his expression brightened. “Wow. What a vivid color. Turn around.”

She did, while he and Babe consulted each other.

Their banter was fascinating. “I feel like I have a pair of stylists.”

Babe spoke up. “We’ve decided the color is fabulous, and it really stands out, but maybe too much.”

Matteo concurred with a nod. “Gorgeous, but more of a Las Vegas look. Try the other one I liked.”

She returned to the fitting room, hearing their voices continue, occasionally punctuated with laughter.

Deb slid into the ivory silk dress. The fabric was cool against her skin. When she turned to the mirror, she was pleasantly surprised that it checked all her requirements. While it didn’t look like much on the hanger, it was transformative.

She emerged from the fitting room, and her audience’s reaction was immediate.

Babe gave her two thumbs up. “You’re a goddess in that. It’s sophisticated, elegant, and just modest enough. That one gets my vote.”

“She’s right,” Matteo said. “That rich shade brings out the highlights in your hair, and the style is striking in its simplicity. Very tasteful.”

While Babe turned to attend to another customer, Matteo took Deb’s hand and spun her around. “The man you’re in love with won’t be able to resist you.”

“I don’t think we’re there yet.” Heat rose in Deb’s cheeks.

“I’m not talking about myself.” Matteo looked at her with compassion. “Adrian invited me to the diner. I saw you outside with another man. You were leaving on your bike again.”

Deb was unsure of how to respond.

He touched her lips with a finger. “We could enjoy ourselves, but I know you’re longing for love, for magic. And you deserve that.”

This wasn’t the conversation she’d thought they would have. “Matteo, you’re a wonderful man. I just don’t know you well enough yet.”

“Never apologize for love.” He cradled her face in his hands. “Love either exists, or it doesn’t. That spark, that fire—that’s what makes life worth living. Everyone should know it at least once in life.”

His directness left her speechless. She’d always prided herself on being in control, on being the one who steered the relationship. The thought that her feelings were so visible was unsettling.

“Matteo, I?—”

“No apologies needed.” He kissed her forehead. “Love doesn’t come around very often, but that doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be here for you. I can wait.”

Deb blinked back a rush of emotion, of appreciation for his understanding. She returned to the dressing room to change. Again, she could hear Matteo and Babe chatting easily as she rang up his purchase.

A thought struck her.

After dressing, Deb stepped out. “I’ll take the ivory dress.”

“Great choice. I’ll ring that up for you.” Babe handed Matteo his package.

“Will you be at the party?” Matteo asked.

Babe shook her head. “I wasn’t planning on it. The tickets are a little pricey for me right now.”

“She’ll be there,” Deb said quickly. “As my guest.”

While Babe looked surprised, Matteo smiled at Deb. They had an understanding now.

“I’ll meet you at the Majestic,” Deb said.

After he left, Babe turned to her with excitement. “That was unexpected. And very generous. Are you sure?”

“I want you to come. Matteo and I are in the friend zone now, so you’ll have someone to dance with. And don’t forget to talk to April. I think there’s a vacancy in the shopping corridor.”

Babe looked thoughtful as she slid a protective covering over Deb’s dress. “I’ve thought about branching out but wasn’t sure how. I’d love to cater to the hotel’s guests.”

Deb signed the credit card receipt. “You should. Your eye for upscale, effortless style is exactly what the Majestic’s clientele would like.”

Babe handed her the dress. “Thank you. For the invitation, for the advice, and for believing I belong in that world.”

“You do.” Deb smiled. “Matteo might think so, too.”